After spending decades designing video games, Session Zero owner Steve Hemmesch decided it was time to retire from the industry and return to his roots. The idea of opening a game store had been a dream since high school, and the opportunity to turn that dream into reality came with a desire to create a welcoming place where people, especially local youth, socialize, play, and have fun!

For Hemmesch, Belmont was the natural choice for the business, having lived in the community for years and raising children who attend nearby schools. While picking up his kids from school at the nearby shopping center, he noticed how many young people were spending time there with little to do. When the location (1940 Ralston Ave.) became available, he saw an opportunity to transform the space into a community gathering place centered around games, creativity, and connection. Belmont’s welcoming atmosphere, safety, and small-town feel made it the perfect home for the business.

The café offers something for gamers of all ages and experience levels, including free-to-use public gaming tables and a game library where visitors can come in and play throughout the day. Guests can also rent private gaming rooms, including the fantasy-themed “Castle,” designed for roleplaying and board games, and the more casual “Living Room,” which features retro video games. A dedicated party room is available for larger gatherings and children’s birthday parties, while hosted gaming events offer even more ways for the community to come together. 

Session Zero Games is unique with its focus on both classic and independent games, including games developed in-house and by local Bay Area designers. Steve plans to regularly invite local game developers to the store to demo their creations, giving customers the chance to discover something new while supporting the region’s gaming community. When it comes to a favorite Belmont business, the staff point to Lorenzo’s Sandwiches just around the corner, whose welcoming support, and delicious sandwiches, has helped make settling into the neighborhood memorable.

Opened in 2025, founded by lifelong athlete and martial artist Brenda King, Pacific Combat Arts Academy (located at 1300 Elmer St, Suite B) is an academy of ‘holistic self-defense’ with a purpose of training across all ranges of martial arts, with kickboxing for long-range striking, boxing for short-range striking, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After retiring from a 31-year career as a physics and chemistry teacher, King turned her lifelong passion for martial arts into a full-time business. As a woman-owned business, Pacific Combat Arts Academy is committed to making martial arts accessible and meaningful for students of all ages and experience levels.

Pacific Combat Arts Academy offers a spacious training floor designed to serve as a destination academy for students throughout the Peninsula. The academy’s approach brings together Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, Jeet Kune Do, and Kali, providing training across all ranges of martial arts. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, offered in both Gi and No-Gi formats, focuses on escaping, controlling, or submitting an attacker while standing or on the ground. The academy also stands out for its Jeet Kune Do and Kali program, rooted in the research and teachings of Bruce Lee and Guro Dan Inosanto, with an emphasis on developing well-rounded attributes and practical self-defense skills.

The academy offers programs for all ages, with the youth Brazilian jiu-jitsu program being the most popular offering. The program emphasizes confidence, resilience, self-esteem and the ability to overcome challenges in a fun and welcoming environment. Among adults, Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu draws the largest classes, bringing together a diverse community of young adults, parents, professionals, and retired seniors.

When the team isn’t on the mats, some of their favorite Belmont businesses include Tacos El Grullense C&D #4, Two Cousins Sandwich Shop, Marvin Gardens, and Carlmont Hassett Ace Hardware.

Lalo Valentino Salon officially opened its doors in Belmont in January 2026, bringing nearly two decades of hairstyling experience to Carlmont Village (1075 Alameda de las Pulgas). After almost 20 years in the industry and seven years co-owning a salon in Redwood City, owner Bobbie de la Fuente created the boutique salon to bring a long-held vision to life. Named after a combination of the owner's three children, Lalo Valentino represents not only a passion for hairstyling but also a deep commitment to family and creating a welcoming space for every guest.

Belmont quickly stood out as the perfect place to open the salon with the close-knit community, welcoming atmosphere, and support for local businesses. Since opening, the salon owner and staff have enjoyed connecting with clients, neighboring businesses, and residents who have embraced the salon and helped it feel at home. The team especially enjoys supporting fellow local business Sainted Goods.

Lalo Valentino Salon specializes in customized hair color services, including blonding, dimensional brunettes, lived-in color, balayage, and gray coverage. The salon also offers haircuts, blowouts, extensions, smoothing treatments, and texture services, with a focus on maintaining the health and integrity of each client's hair. As a boutique salon, Lalo Valentino intentionally keeps its team small, allowing for a personalized experience where every guest feels comfortable, heard, and cared for throughout their visit.

Whether clients are looking for a dramatic transformation or simply taking time for a little self-care, Lalo Valentino strives to create an experience that goes beyond great hair. The salon looks forward to welcoming even more members of the Belmont community into a space built on creativity, connection, and genuine hospitality.

After building a loyal following across the Peninsula, Truffle Poké Bar has officially brought its fresh, fast-casual concept to Belmont. Located at 1073 Alameda de las Pulgas in the Carlmont Village Shopping Center, the new restaurant marks the company’s fourth Bay Area location and continues founder Rafic Haddad’s vision of combining high-quality ingredients with quick, approachable dining. As Belmont continues to grow its collection of locally loved eateries, Truffle Poké Bar brings a modern, community-focused dining experience to Carlmont Village.

Known for its signature truffle-infused poke bowls, the restaurant offers a customizable menu filled with locally sourced seafood, house-made sauces, and vibrant toppings. Guests can build their own bowls or choose from chef favorites like the Salmon Lover, King Kong, and Rafi’s Pick, which feature combinations of salmon, tuna, shrimp, and the restaurant’s signature truffle aioli. Beyond poke, the menu also includes oysters, taro chips with dipping sauces, and vegetarian-friendly options like the Rasta Bowl with tofu and mango.

The Belmont location has quickly become a welcome addition to the neighborhood dining scene, offering residents a casual spot for lunch, dinner, or takeout. Open daily, the restaurant combines a laid-back atmosphere with energetic service and a menu designed to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, customizable meals, and approachable hospitality, the restaurant is quickly establishing itself as a go-to destination for Peninsula poke lovers looking for both quality and convenience. 

With roots dating back to 1984, Blossoms and Botanicals has been a staple in the local floral scene for more than four decades. Originally known as Blossoms Flower Shop, the business entered a new chapter in 2020 when Mark and Regina purchased it, reimagining and renaming it while honoring its long-standing legacy. Building on that momentum, they launched a sister concept, Mystic Flora Apothecary, in 2022. As both ventures grew, the pair made the thoughtful decision to combine them into one beautifully curated space, creating a unique destination that blends florals, gifts, and community experiences under one roof.

Choosing Belmont for this next phase felt like a natural fit. Their new location at 1501 El Camino Real provides convenient access for customers, while its proximity to popular local shopping hubs adds to the appeal. The move not only expands their reach but also places them at the heart of a vibrant and connected community.

Today, Blossoms and Botanicals is a full-service florist offering daily deliveries, corporate event design, and full-scale wedding florals, all crafted with an eye for quality and personalization. Alongside it, Mystic Flora Apothecary brings a distinctive touch with its collection of spiritual and metaphysical goods, thoughtfully selected gifts, and a welcoming lounge space designed for relaxation and connection.

With a calendar full of workshops and community events focused on healing, song, tea, tarot, yoga, and more, the combined business has evolved into more than just a retail shop, it’s a place where creativity, celebration, and community come together. 

For 25 years, California Interiors & Design has helped Peninsula residents turn their houses into thoughtfully designed homes. The full-service interior design studio and furniture showroom located at 1300 El Camino Real specializes in custom bench-made upholstery, curated furniture collections, and personalized design services. By combining high-quality craftsmanship with tailored design guidance, the team works closely with clients to create beautiful, comfortable spaces that reflect each homeowner’s lifestyle.

Choosing Belmont as the location for their showroom was an easy decision. The team mentioned appreciating Belmont’s wonderful community, which values local businesses and thoughtful design. The Peninsula is a vibrant area with beautiful homes, making it an ideal spot for a design showroom serving both homeowners and design professionals.

For the team, the most rewarding aspect of their work is seeing a client's vision come to life, whether through a single custom piece or a complete home project. Their showroom allows customers to see and feel pieces in person while collaborating with experienced designers who help realize their ideas through carefully selected materials, fabrics, and finishes.

What sets California Interiors & Design apart is its unique blend of design expertise and custom furniture capabilities. The studio specializes in bench-made upholstery that can often be delivered in less than a month. In addition to custom furniture, the team offers interior design consultations, space planning, furniture for residential homes and staging projects, and a range of accessories, lighting, and décor. 

Visit the California Interiors & Design showroom, follow them on social media, or refer a friend or neighbor to support this local business! When asked what their favorite Belmont business was, staff noted Blossoms and Botanicals.

Born from a birthday camping trip and fueled by passion, Brewing with Brothas is the creation of childhood friends Denzel Jackson and RiSean "Bookie" Tinsley. What began as weekly homebrewing sessions in East Palo Alto quickly evolved into an award-winning venture when their signature Black Belgian Tripel (BB3) took first place at the Taplands 2020 homebrew competition in Santa Clara. Over the past six years, the duo has built a reputation for crafting bold, creative beers and meaningful collaborations, partnering with leading Bay Area breweries.

Signature of Jiu-Jitsu officially opened its doors at 915 Ralston Ave in Belmont this last November, marking the culmination of a journey that began more than three years earlier with a simple but powerful vision. Founded by a lifelong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Atahide Santana, the school was created to be more than just a place to train and focuses on building a safe, welcoming, family-centered environment where students of all ages can learn not only technique, but core values such as respect, care, and community.

St. James Gate is a beloved local bar and restaurant tucked away at 1410 Old County Road. From the street it may seem like an ordinary Irish dive, but longtime owner Doug Mottern has transformed the space into something truly unique. The interior evokes a classic speakeasy feel, drawing crowds for live music, trivia, bingo, and karaoke throughout the week. What makes St. James Gate stand out to both newcomers and regulars is its sprawling tropical-themed back patio. The outdoor space offers a cheerful contrast to the cozy bar inside. 

The establishment goes beyond just drinks and decor with a menu that reflects classic pub fare done well. Patrons can choose from burgers made with all-natural grass-fed Black Angus beef, wraps, traditional bar favorites like wings, and a robust drink lineup that includes over 400 bourbons, dozens of beers, and hand-crafted cocktails. St. James Gate also features Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, making it a destination for both casual dining and lively evening outings. 

St. James Gate has become a community staple, attracting a diverse crowd that ranges from local families to whiskey aficionados. With options for catering and private events, as well as themed nights and live entertainment almost every evening, it continues to build its reputation as a hub for both socializing and celebration in Belmont. Whether you’re stopping in for a drink after work or hosting a special event, St. James Gate offers an inviting blend of classic bar charm and contemporary fun.

Better Together Dance Theatre first opened its doors in 2021 at 617 Mountain View Ave, fulfilling a childhood dream shared between two best friends. Built on a foundation of passion for the performing arts, the studio has quickly grown into a welcoming space where dancers and actors of all ages can learn, create, and connect. More than just a place for training, the studio emphasizes community, self-confidence, and friendships that last well beyond the stage. 

Belmont was a natural choice for the studio’s home, as one of the founders had lived and worked in the area for more than 15 years and always felt deeply connected to the community. Opening Better Together Dance Theatre in Belmont was not just about finding the right location, it was about returning to a place that already felt like home. Belmont’s supportive and engaged residents have embraced the studio, helping it thrive as a vibrant part of the local business and arts scene.

Better Together Dance Theatre offers a wide variety of classes and programs to meet every interest and skill level. They have a team of teachers that specialize in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Acro, and Salsa, to name a few. In addition to regular classes, the studio also hosts summer programs, birthday parties, ballet retreats, community nights, and live performance workshops. They also have Pod classes available, which are small group classes set up by the customer. These private lesson classes are available for any dance style taught and can accommodate up to six friends, ages three to adults.

For the team, the best part of running a business in Belmont is the strong sense of community. They take great joy in seeing their students grow not just in dance and theatre skills, but in confidence, compassion, and friendship. Watching students cheer each other on both inside and outside the studio is one of the most rewarding parts of their work. Guided by the belief that we are all “better together,” the studio provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, discover their talents, and celebrate the joy of the performing arts.

In 1987, Rafael Guerrero and Candelaria Garcia laid the foundation for what would become a beloved family of restaurants, El Grullense. Starting with a humble taco truck in Los Angeles, they grew their dream into sit-down restaurants across California, eventually passing the business on to their children. Each sibling now owns and operates their own locations, continuing the family tradition of authentic Mexican cooking. The Belmont location (575 Ralston Ave), run by Candy Guerrero and David Patino, opened in April 2023.

Belmont was a natural choice for the family’s latest restaurant. Having lived in the city years ago, Candy noted they felt a strong connection to the community and had always admired the building that now houses their taqueria. When the opportunity arose to lease the space, they jumped at the chance to return. Today, they are thrilled to be back, bringing their family recipes to the city they once called home.

Since opening, the restaurant has been embraced by Belmont’s diverse and welcoming community. Locals quickly fell in love with the menu staple—tacos and burritos—as well as newer favorites like Quesabirria, which have become a best-seller. Staff members share that their own favorites include Meaty Fries and the Basket Salad, proving that the kitchen offers something for everyone. Beyond the food, the family says the small-town feel combined with the vibrant energy of Belmont makes operating here especially rewarding. 

What sets this taqueria apart is its deep commitment to authenticity and tradition. Every salsa is made from scratch using a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, and every dish is prepared fresh daily. The result is food that not only tastes delicious but also tells the story of a family’s hard work, pride, and love of community. When asked about her favorite Belmont business, Candy enthusiastically noted Livin Sweet.

At the heart of Belmont’s neighborhood dining scene is Farm House, a restaurant with a deeply personal journey behind its new ownership. After helping in the restaurant’s kitchen for years, Edgar was offered the chance to take over. Though the idea initially felt out of reach, a shared sense of trust and purpose led to a gradual transition. Officially taking ownership in December 2024, Edgar saw the opportunity not just as a business venture, but as a calling—something that felt "meant to be." With roots in catering and years of experience in the food industry, Edgar has brought both dedication and innovation to Farm House.

Community is at the center of everything Edgar and Farm House stand for. Edgar expressed gratitude to the restaurant's neighbors, who have welcomed him with warmth and support. Some have even become regulars and friends. The restaurant honors its roots and previous owners by keeping its original name and artwork, while gradually introducing new touches and exciting plans for the future, including expanding lunch service and offering catering. Under Edgar's leadership, the team of 20 works in harmony and embodies the restaurant’s spirit of resilience and camaraderie.

Edgar has kept beloved menu staples like the fried chicken and short ribs, while adjusting recipes to be more inclusive, offering gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor. The menu is thoughtfully curated, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and personal touches, including a popular cornstarch-based fried chicken that’s entirely gluten-free.

Beyond the food, what stands out most is the emotional connection to the space and its community. The restaurant is a sanctuary for both its staff and its owner, who finds peace in the early morning work, the rhythm of kitchen life, and the strength of the team around him. 

Having lost his mother, the same day he took over Farm House, every day now holds a deeper significance. Inspired by her legacy as a business owner and caregiver to 11 children, he channels that same grit and love into his work. For Edgar, Farm House isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a living tribute.

Visit Farm House at 1301 6th Ave. When asked about his favorite Belmont business, Edgar had high praise for Vivace Ristorante.

Kyle Bozicevic, the founder of Alpha Acid Brewing Company, had been homebrewing since 2005, when he first opened the only brewery in the Belmont area in 2014 (121 Industrial Road #11). The brewery is located in the Harbor Industrial Area, which is proposed to be annexed into the City of Belmont. Alpha Acid is known for its creativity, quality, and over 600 unique recipes. Often called "the small-batch kings" for their frequently changing selection of beers, the company focuses on crafting one-of-a-kind brews and is currently working on expanding its distribution.  

The closeness of the Alpha Acid family and their shared passion for crafting one-of-a-kind beer is evident when you enter the taproom. Everyone wants to be there, fostering creativity and sharing the gift of golden nectar to the Belmont community. Despite their increasing popularity, they remain committed to the same mission that sparked Kyle’s homebrewing adventures 20 years ago—making quality beer! 

Named after the component of hops that determines a beer’s bitterness level, Alpha Acid chose to set up in Belmont to establish a fun, family-friendly business in what Kyle sees as a wonderful city. Since then, his team has continued to grow organically. They brew many one-off beers while also re-brewing fan favorites. Since Alpha Acid releases new beers weekly, you could technically visit their taproom once every seven days and still not taste all the brews they make.   

Their most popular offerings include a limited release of a very special barrel-aged imperial stout every February and August, which is aged in spirit barrels for over a year. Among staff members, La Chulita, a Mexican-style lager brewed with flaked corn, is a personal favorite. Often seen as an approachable beer that anyone can enjoy, La Chulita is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. In addition, the business also has one of the largest barrel-aged beer programs in the Bay Area and offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, lagers, stouts, sour ales, and much more. Open 7 days a week with a rotating variety of local food pop-ups at the brewery, Alpha Acid makes for a great addition to anyone’s week, no matter their schedule. And for those who stop by anytime on Mondays, they will find an all-day happy hour with $5 pints or join trivia on Thursdays at 7 p.m.!

When asked about their favorite local business, the team mentioned that they are big fans of Dog Haus, TAPP’D, and Slice House due to their great food! They also frequent their neighbors, El Metate Taqueria and Little Belmont Cafe. 

This July marks 10 years since Iberia first opened its doors in Belmont (740 El Camino), a milestone that speaks volumes about its appeal. The restaurant was relocated to Belmont after the previous building was sold in Menlo Park. Iberia is beautifully decorated with art carefully selected by Owner Jose Luis Relinque, and each piece truly tells a story. Iberia reminds us all to slow down and simply appreciate good food!

The restaurant first opened in 1984, operating on a shoestring budget. Jose Luis' mother helped paint the restaurant, and with his team of two cooks, they cleaned and decorated it with repurposed furniture. The kitchen was outfitted with just a few stoves and a flat iron doubling as a griddle. At the time, there were few cooks familiar with Spanish cuisine, so the menu was primarily continental, with a few Spanish dishes prepared by Jose Luis. Over time, the kitchen staff was trained in Spanish cooking, and two of those original cooks rose to become sous chefs who remained with the restaurant for 37 years. Today, even the most junior employee has been with the business for 18 years.

Belmont has proven to be a warm and supportive community for the restaurant. Jose Luis appreciated that, "The City gives an aura of tranquility that is very conducive to a good quality of life." This pace of life and welcoming environment have played a key role in the restaurant’s continued success and its ability to draw loyal customers from all over.

Iberia's signature dish, the Paella, has served over 400,000 servings and counting. Its rich, aromatic blend of sofrito, shellfish, and rice has become a favorite for both customers and staff. More than just a recipe, it embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of cultivating a love for food, people, and the joy of bringing them together. Jose Luis sees the restaurant as a labor of love, rooted in trust and hospitality.

When asked about his favorite business in Belmont, he immediately mentioned Ristorante Divino.